The rise and rise of Mohojé

 

In February, he was playing Varsity Cup for Shimlas. 

 

After a run of impressive performances, he featured for the Cheetahs in the Vodacom Cup and Super Rugby before receiving a dream call-up to the Springbok squad for the June Tests.

 

He achieved another career milestone when he made his Test debut against Scotland, coming off the bench to help South African to a 55-6 win in Port Elizabeth.

 

"Words can't describe my feelings right now. It's definitely a dream come true," Mohojé told MyPlayers.

 

"I must give credit to all my coaches and senior team-mates, who have backed me throughout the season.

 

"When I joined the senior Cheetahs squad, Francois Uys gave me a lot of advice, especially when it came to the lineouts.

 

"Adriaan Strauss, as captain and hooker, also helped me to improve my game. 

 

"I'd like to thank [Springbok coach] Heyneke Meyer for the opportunities he's given me in the national team.

 

"The senior players were very welcoming as I got to mingle with Victor Matfield, Schalk Burger, Duane Vermeulen and Willem Alberts.

 

"These players know the game very well and I was lucky I could learn a lot from them.

 

"The Springbok squad is a tight unit, with a close family vibe, and that's helped me to settle in."

 

Mohojé added that there's plenty more he wants to achieve with the Springboks.

 

"In general, I'm still learning a lot. The experience at each training session is amazing," said Mohojé.

 

"I know I achieved a major goal when I made my Test debut against Scotland, but I want to represent my country again.

 

"The Rugby Championship is going to be a tough competition as we play against the top teams in world rugby.

 

"I have to take things week by week, continue doing my best and working hard, and see how things develop from there."

 

From a Currie Cup perspective, Mohojé's Free State Cheetahs didn't get off to a great start as they suffered a 28-21 loss to the Pumas in Nelspruit last weekend. However, he's confident that the men from Bloemfontein will bounce back.

 

"It's a new chapter for the players as many guys have left after Super Rugby and there's a new coach leading the team," said Mohojé.

 

"We also had a couple of key guys missing against the Pumas, like Pieter Labuschagné and Coenie Oosthuizen.

 

"The guys are confident that they can do well during the Currie Cup.

 

"It wasn't a great result against the Pumas, but I know the team is capable of doing better as the tournament progresses."